Cavaliers Care Fund: Helping Students Cross the Finish Line
Western Technical College’s Cavaliers Care Scholarship was created with one goal in mind: helping students reach graduation. Inspired by students like Eric Twambale, who overcame financial challenges to complete his education, the scholarship supports second- and third-year students facing hurdles in the final stretch of their programs.
Eric, a student from Uganda, faced unique challenges while pursuing his degree in Medical Lab Technology. His financial support fell through just as he entered his last terms, creating unexpected and urgent financial stress. Still, he remained determined. “My hard work and dedication to have a college degree in this field that I love couldn’t be possible without the help Western provided,” Eric says. He stayed focused, navigating not only his coursework but the cultural adjustments and logistical difficulties many international students experience, often without the benefits or resources that other students can rely on.
Western staff members, including Dean Jobe, Associate Dean of Health & Public Safety, saw Eric’s potential. Jobe described Eric as a “success story in the making,” and he, along with instructors and support staff, worked closely with Eric to ensure he crossed the finish line. Eric remembers this support with gratitude, noting how much Western “was involved in my last year of college to see that I made it to the finish line.” With the Cavaliers Care Scholarship, Western helped cover essential costs, easing the pressure on Eric so he could focus on his final classes and clinical placements.
In April 2024, Eric graduated and was soon hired at Winona Health Hospital as a Lab Technician, entering a career field he’s deeply passionate about. Eric is now making plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree next year, continuing the path he worked so hard to reach. The Cavaliers Care Scholarship is a lifeline for students like Eric, providing immediate support when it’s needed most. Many students arrive at Western with scholarships and savings, but balancing work, family responsibilities, and coursework often make the final steps especially tough. This scholarship steps in to cover expenses like tuition, books, and tools to help prevent students from withdrawing when they’re so close to graduation.
The Cavaliers Care Scholarship is just one part of Western’s total commitment to student success. It’s more than just financial aid—it’s a promise to help students like Eric overcome obstacles and step confidently into their futures.